Breaking Barriers: The Williams' Sisters are The First Black Women to Own an NFL team..
Venus and Serena Williams have broken barriers in the tennis world and have been doing the same in the NFL now for over a decade...
Happy Black History Month!
I’m back with another NFL story. A story of two amazing Black women breaking barriers in sport and business. Venus and Serena Williams, who are already trailblazers in the world of tennis, have once again shattered barriers by becoming the first black women to hold ownership stakes in an NFL team. Their journey from the tennis courts to the ownership suite is a testament to their business acumen and commitment to breaking down racial and gender barriers in the world of sports.
The Williams sisters have long been pioneers in tennis, rewriting the record books and inspiring generations of athletes. Beyond their athletic prowess, they've been vocal advocates for equality and diversity. With more than 50 percent of the league's players identifying as Black or African American and more than 70 percent of the league identifying as a person of colour in 2022, per Statista.com. There is only a handful of black team owners in the NFL, which is very alarming for a sports league that generates more revenue than any other worldwide and relies heavily on the talent of black athletes.
The sisters are among the five percenters with part-ownership, each owning a 0.5% stake. Stephen Ross purchased 50% of the team in 2008. Then he purchased 45% in January 2009 for $1.1 billion. Venus and Serena acquiring ownership stakes in Miami Dolphins, not only marks a significant milestone for the sisters but also for the league and the broader sports industry. It sends a powerful message about the importance of diversity at the highest levels of sports management. As owners, Venus and Serena bring a wealth of experience, not just as athletes but also as successful entrepreneurs and champions for social change.
Their ownership stakes go beyond symbolism; they represent a tangible shift towards inclusivity in sports ownership. By breaking through this particular glass ceiling, Venus and Serena are paving the way for more opportunities for underrepresented groups in ownership positions across various sports. The Williams sisters' impact is not confined to the tennis court or the football field; it extends to the broader cultural landscape. They have become icons of empowerment, inspiring individuals to dream big and challenge the status quo.
Their involvement in the team has also brought increased attention to the Miami Dolphins and helped to raise the team's profile. The Miami Dolphins were valued at just over $1 billion when Serena and Venus Williams purchased their stake. The Dolphins’ value has more than doubled now, as they are one of the most popular franchises in the NFL. In a poll conducted by YouGov, they were chosen as the most popular NFL team in the UK. This is partly due to them being the first team to play outside the United States when they faced the New York Giants at Wembley Stadium in 2007.
The Williams sisters have been Miami Dolphins fans all their lives and they made their dreams come true by becoming part owners of the franchise they grew up rooting for. As the first black women to break into NFL ownership, Venus and Serena Williams are not only making history but also reshaping the future of sports. Their ownership in an NFL team is a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds showing the transition from athlete to owner.